Match Report : 19/10/2013

Rovers slipped to a disappointing 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Charlton Athletic.

Gary Bowyer's side went into the game looking to build on a home record of 10 points from a possible 12 but came unstuck against a hardworking Charlton side who fully deserved their win.

The only goal of the game came from the first meaningful attack of the match as Simon Church controlled Dale Stephen's through ball to fire past Jake Kean after just seven minutes.

Jordan Rhodes and Ben Marshall both saw headers saved, whilst Ben Hamer tipped aside a second chance by Rhodes as they looked to level before the break.

The Addicks held on despite Rovers enjoying plenty of the ball in the second half, but chances were few and far between, a Jason Lowe volley that deflected wide the best of them.

DJ Campbell return to action in the closing stages was a welcome sight, but the Addicks held out to claim all three points.

Gary Bowyer made two changes from the side that faced Wigan Athletic just under a fortnight ago due to injury and suspension.

With Grant Hanley serving the first of his three-match ban following his sending off at the DW Stadium, his place was taken by Scott Dann. The Rovers captain returning after missing the Wigan match with a groin strain.

Corry Evans missed out also after picking up an ankle injury whilst on international duty, his place taken by Ben Marshall.

Cameron Stewart, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Rovers, started for the visitors.

Rovers looked bright as the game got underway but it was the visitors who drew first blood with their very first attack of the match.

Just seven minutes were on the clock when the Addicks went in front, Dale Stephen's deft chip over the Rovers' back line was controlled well by striker Simon Church and he cooly slotted the ball home.

That knocked Rovers out of their stride somewhat with Chris Powell's side playing the ball about confidently, seeing more of the possession.

Jordan Rhodes did have an opportunity with a header at the midway point of the half following good work from Leon Best and Josh King, but the striker's effort lacked power and was easily claimed by Ben Hamer in the Charlton goal.

Both goalkeepers continued to be worked, Kean claimed confidently from a Marvin Sordell near-post shot, before Hamer showed quick reactions to dive to his right to keep out a Rhodes strike on the volley from Marshall's knockdown.

Rovers ended the half strongly with a trio of chances, Leon Best feeding Todd Kane down the right but his cross aimed for Rhodes was dealt with well by the Charlton defence.

Then 30 seconds later a Tommy Spurr cross from the left was only punched as far as Jason Lowe, Leon Best took aim but fired over from just inside the box.

The last chance of the half came on 44 minutes as Best found Josh King on the right, his cross was met by the head of Ben Marshall but his downward ball struck a defender and rolled harmlessly into the arms of Hamer.

The half-time whistle left Rovers with plenty to do, Charlton working hard to hold onto their early advantage.

Despite an early header wide from Leon Best at the start of the second half, Rovers struggled to get any momentum going against a well-drilled Charlton outfit.

After that 46th minute chance it wasn't until the hour mark that Rovers threatened once more, Jason Lowe volleying just wide after a Tom Cairney free-kick into the box had been temporarily cleared.

Charlton were content with their lot but they did pose the odd threat, a Bradley Pritchard cross was met by the head of Dale Stephens but Kean was alert to save from close-range.

A change of formation and the introduction of Lee Williamson for Leon Best looked to have turned the tide in Rovers' favour as they enjoyed a sustained spell of pressure, but as they had done for the whole game, the Addicks defended their lines well to keep the home side at bay.

Alan Judge replaced Josh King, whilst DJ Campbell made his first appearance of the season as Ben Marshall made way.

However the visitors weren't put under any undue pressure in the closing stages and despite there being an additional six minutes of injury time they saw the game out well to claim their first away win of the season.